We often hold onto the belief, even if subconsciously, that we can live forever. However, life sometimes delivers unexpected challenges.

On a quiet Sunday morning, Ryan Finley did something unusual—he woke up his wife, Jill. “I went to wake Jill up, which is a miracle in itself as I never, ever, do that on Saturday mornings.” But she didn’t respond. Ryan immediately called 911 and began CPR.

Doctors soon confirmed Jill had suffered cardiac arrest. “When a doctor tells you, you need to start praying, I feel it’s about as serious as it’s going to get.” Jill was placed in a coma. For days, Ryan read to her from a Bible her cousin had brought. After nearly two weeks, doctors told Ryan there was no hope. He made the agonizing decision to remove her from life support.

But five hours later, a nurse approached him: “I think you need to come in, she’s talking.” Jill’s first words? “Get me out of here. I want to go home.”

Jill miraculously recovered and later said she supported Ryan’s choice: “I don’t want to live like a vegetable.” Ryan still checks if she’s breathing at night—“If she kicks me back, I know we’re OK.”